The railways aims to improve Mumbai local train ticketing system to enhance passenger convenience. For this, railways is exploring the possibility of introducing a chat-based app like WhatsApp.
Recently, a meeting was held with interested parties in the matter. Officials said that the tender process will be evaluated after all the details are finalised.
Under the Digital India initiative, the Indian Railways is focusing on transforming the ticketing system through digital means. As a result, passengers are being given fast tickets with cashless options.
At least 25 percent of passengers are booking tickets through digital methods and its usage is increasing day by day. Due to this, the Railways is putting more emphasis on the digital system.
In addition to the existing digital ticket system, the Railways is working on a chat-based ticketing solution to increase convenience in ticket booking.
Majority of the metro passengers prefer to use WhatsApp for booking tickets in the Metro. After scanning the QR code on the ticket window, a chat interface appears. Passengers need to send a 'Hi' message, then they are given ticket booking options. Later, you can get digital tickets after paying. Nearly 70 percent of the metro fare is being reserved in this way.
However, there are several factors that need to be taken into account while creating a WhatsApp ticketing system. Since the QR-based ticketing system is currently being misused by UTS, caution should be exercised while developing a new system to avoid similar vulnerabilities.
The Railways aims to create a system that is easy for passengers. For this, several options have been considered, including a chat-based ticketing system.